Issue 21 South Marston

May 2019 Community News

Meet Me Under The Oak Tree By Robbie Taylor n November last year the Trustees of the F. & E. Harris Memorial Trust had I pleasure in donating two galvanised seats for the village garden in celebration of 100 years since the end of World War I and the formation of the Royal Air Force.

In March 2019 the Trustees R. Sansum, T. Sansum, Rev. V. Fleming donated a further galvanised seat around the old oak tree on the Recreation Ground. This seat is in memory of the Harris Family who generously set up the Trust twenty years ago for the benefit of South Marston residents. The Trustees hope that trees will also be planted in memory of our village World War I heroes.

F. & E. Harris Trustees: Rev. Vicky Fleming, Mary Cooper, Terry

Sansum, Richard Sansum, Nial Ledingham, Secretary: Robbie Taylor

The F. & E. Harris Memorial Trust

Forthcoming Outings for Senior Citizens Sidmouth, 3rd July 2019 ‘A town caught still in a timeless charm’ which captivated the Poet Laureate, John Betjeman, and it will captivate you, too. Beautiful gardens and leisurely walks, clean beaches and friendly shops in this lovely seaside town that nestles beneath majestic red cliffs and the green hills of the glorious Sid Valley. Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market, 6th December 2019 If you would like to go on the above trips please contact: Mary Cooper: 01793 823530, or Robbie Taylor 01793 823757

email:[email protected] Contacteditor: the [email protected] Hedgehog Release Day in South Marston

By Hazel Andrews

Saturday March 16th was Hedgehog Release Day in South Marston – and they are off finding new homes! id-November last year, I rescued five hedgehogs from my garden that were in difficulty and would not have sur- M vived their winter hibernation. Four were far too small to survive the winter as they were probably the result of a late brood and had not had time to put on enough weight for hibernation - the recommended hibernation weight is 500 grams. If they had been left to their own devices they would have certainly died in their sleep. The other hedgehog rescued was an adult but was struggling with a badly injured and infected leg. They were all carefully collected and taken to a hedgehog rescue centre where they would be cared for, ready to be returned to me for a spring release and Saturday 16th March 2019 was that day! This little one is camera shy First I needed to do some preparation work in my garden. Hedgehogs do well in gardens with shrubby corners and areas of planting where they can snuffle around looking for grubs, slugs and snails. Their ideal home is a log pile (with a hollow centre) but they are just as happy in a man-made hog house. Some of the old hog houses in my garden were made from scraps of wood and were falling apart so I bought a couple of ready-made new ones. I found two good locations for the houses, under shrubs, then added some dry leaves as a sort of ‘starter bedding’ before I covered the whole thing in leaves and small branches. Hedgehogs are territorial and will cover an area of about one square mile looking for food and a possible mate, so it’s very important they can get from one garden to the next. That way, if they can’t find anything tasty to eat in one garden, they will just move on to the next garden, keeping borders slug-free on their way. The best way to help hedgehogs, is to make sure there is a small hole under your fence or gate. Maybe even see if you can make a way through into all of your neighbours’ gardens! It only needs to be small; the best size is 13cm x 13cm.

Preparing the hedgehog box I checked my fences to make sure there was Another prickly friend hedgehog access to all of the gardens that back on to mine. Then it was time to collect the hogs! Sadly, the injured hog with the bad leg didn’t make it, but the other four had woken up from hibernation and were ready to explore back in their old home. It is always advised that hedgehogs are released back where they came from. For a start, it means the local environment is suitable and can support hedgehogs. Also, it’s thought they may remember their way around the area. About an hour before dusk I put each of the hogs in one of the hedgehog boxes or a Hedgehog home… more of a palace suitable wood pile. Most of them were fairly placid, staying rolled up while I gently transferred them to their new homes, but the larger one of the four was quite grumpy and made his displeasure known by lots of growling noises. Then I just had to wish them well, and leave them to it. That night we set a motion capture night vision camera and we were delighted the following morning to discover that we had managed to capture pictures of some of the smaller hedgehogs scuttling about the lawn Nice shrubby corner for hedgehogs looking for the hedgehog food we had scattered around for them. Later, during daylight hours, we checked the hedgehog boxes and they were all empty. The boxes being empty means it was a successful release as they had all made their way off to find new territories and homes, but we were a little sad to see our prickly friends go. Our release site was in the Ash Gardens, Manor Park and Fuller Gardens area so they will be striking out in all directions from there. Keep a lookout in your gardens for our prickly friends as their range is easily over a square mile, and that would take in the whole of the village! How you can help hedgehogs:

 Make sure hedgehogs can get in to your garden through a suitable gap - e.g. under a fence gravel board, by cutting a small hole in a wire fence, by creating a hole in a side gate, etc. If you want to see a hedgehog, it needs to be able to get into your garden in the first place.

 Plant a shrubby corner in your garden where they can be protected and sleep in peace during the day.

 You could even make your own hog house.

 If you want to feed them give them meat-flavoured cat food or you can buy dry hedgehog food.

 Please be careful with any tools you use in the garden (especially strimmers!). Any clump of leaves, pile of logs or shrubby area may well have a hedgehog sheltering in it. What not to do:

 Don’t feed them milk or bread - milk kills hedgehogs as they are lactose-intolerant.

 Don’t use slug pellets. If they eat a slug poisoned by pellets the hedgehog will die too. With hedgehogs in your garden you won’t need slug pellets anyway! Further information: In a hedgehog emergency you can contact the “Oak and Farrows Wildlife Rescue Centre” in Cricklade on 01793 751412. Also there is the Facebook page, 'Helping hedgehogs and wildlife in ' , where we are all doing our little bit to help wildlife. You can find lots of information about hogs online. Try www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk All photos by Hazel Andrews

Let’s Go Racing Jesters Snooker Hall, Greenbridge Rd, SN3 3JD, Friday 14th June, 8pm Tracie and Paul Heard from South Marston are trekking the Great Wall of China this year in memory of Tracie’s mum Beryl who passed away last year after years of suffering with dementia. Tracie writes, “please come along and help us fundraise for the Alzheimer’s Society to make this trip happen and help create a world without dementia so other families don’t have to suffer. Your support means a lot.“ For more details, please contact Tracie: 07976 796906 or Paul: 07455 737888

The 100 Club is Well Done Winners! an annual Congratulations to our 100 Club winners subscription of for March and April. £10 each to: £12 with the chance of £30 No. 48 Tracy Jones winning £10, £30 or £100. All profits are £10 No. 2 Isabelle Clarke used to support the maintenance of the £10 No. 79 Kevin and Sue Kerridge Village Hall and Recreation Ground £10 No. 18 Martyn Cook £10 No. 60 Sheila Jinks For more information, or to join, please £10 No. 49 Tracey Cook contact Angela Newton, Chair of SMRA £10 No.7 Reg Kilfoyle on the contact details printed on the back £10 No. 100 Richard Haine page of this edition. £10 No. 85 Maralyn Selwood

Giving Thanks By Chris Brooks

he Open Spaces Working Group would like to thank Isobel Hone and Barbara Pigden for donating T plants for our parish green spaces. They kindly donated violets, primroses, hellebores, and grape hyacinths, that have all been planted at Oxleaze, whilst some of the violets and an oak tree have been planted at St Julian’s Wood. The flowers should spread and add to the beautiful colours we have around the village, as well as providing Gladys May Fitchett much needed sustenance for insects - 1927—2019 and you can't have enough oak trees. Sandra and Margaret would like to thank all the people that attended mum’s funeral and for all the lovely cards and kind words of comfort. We would also like to thank The Carpenters Arms and George the Vicar. The Gardening Club “Dowsing” by Keith Harmon, 13th May, Village Hall, 7:30–9:30pm This talk will introduce you to the fascinating world of dowsing. Dowsing is usually associated with finding water using dowsing rods. However, dowsing can be used for many purposes including gardening as Keith will explain. To make this a fun evening dowsing rods will be handed out so you can experience dowsing for yourselves from your chair. £3 entry fee on the door or £12 full membership. A warm welcome awaits you along with tea and cake as well as an optional raffle. Plant Sale, Monday 10th June, Village Hall, 7:30-8:30pm Plants for your house, garden and allotment at very reasonable prices. Pop along and enjoy chatting with Gardening Club members and enjoy a cuppa and homemade cake. Arrive early to avoid disappointment as plants sold fast last year! Free entry. South Marston Fete, Saturday 29th June The Gardening Club will be selling the usual plants, home-grown produce and cakes at this year’s fete. Pop along and grab yourself a bargain! Cake Donations Please The Gardening Club is kindly asking for cake donations for their stall. As in previous years, please could you kindly drop them off at the field before 2pm or contact Mike New (see below) to arrange collection. Do you Have Unwanted Gardening Things? The Gardening Club would welcome any gardening item you no longer want. We will recycle them by finding them a good home. Items such as; Gardening Tools, Wheelbarrows, Pots of any kind, unwanted Seeds, Gardening Books, Watering Cans, Garden Ornaments, Plants, Garden Furniture, Seed Trays, etc. We are happy to collect if you call either Mike or Angela on the numbers below. For more information on any of the above, please contact Mike New on 827807 / 07999914751 or Angela on 832034 / 07789068340 or visit the website: https://southmarston.org.uk/clubs-activities/gardening-club/. Shed Those Winter Blues By Chris Brooks

hat do you consider to be a great building? There are obvious candidates such as St Paul’s Cathedral, the Taj Mahal, the Sydney Opera House and the Empire State Building. But which one would be W the greatest building, and what is it that makes a building great? Is it the architecture, its age, its interior, its effect on the landscape, or perhaps its purpose? For me, the greatest building isn’t a single structure, it’s a building that exists in many countries, and in the UK is numbered in millions: the humble garden shed. I cannot think of another building that is put to such diverse use, yet is simple and quick to erect, is relatively cheap, and has such little environmental impact. A shed can be so many things: a workshop, a tool store, a garden centre, a place to meditate, and a home for spiders. Sometimes described as a “den for grown-ups”, sheds are accessible to ama- teurs and professionals alike. Of course, the buildings themselves are rarely exceptional. They have minimal effect on the landscape, usually being in gardens and made of wood, although the Channel 4 programme “Amazing Spaces” discovered sheds made from a variety of things, such as a boat cabin, and one made of mud. But let’s return to the common or garden shed, or should that be common AND garden shed. The ones with no outstanding architectural merit, and no fancy interior. They’re at the bottom of the food chain in terms of storage. Once good carpet, decent cupboards, and nice old tables find themselves at their penultimate resting place in the shed. Maybe at the back there’s part of a croquet set that’s “too good to throw away”, some strawberry netting that’s irretrievably tangled, tools for jobs that no longer exist, and a collection of old jam jars containing forgotten seeds. Sheds are embedded in our culture. The poet Dylan Thomas and writer Roald Dahl both worked in sheds so they had sufficient peace and quiet. Author Philip Pullman passed his writing shed onto writer and illustrator Ted Dewan, along with a ‘covenant’ that it be used only for creative purposes. Newspapers and radio stations have also been started from sheds, e.g. The Melbourne Advertiser and 4GR radio in Australia. And let’s not forget that sheds are at the forefront of invention and innovation. You may recall Trevor Baylis, who died in March 2018. He invented the wind-up or clockwork radio. As a child he had spent hours learning from his father in the family shed, which Baylis described as “like a shrine”. The hovercraft also started life in the shed of Christopher Cockerell. Likewise, highway cats’ eyes were invented by Percy Shaw in a shed. On another scale entirely, 17 year-old American Boy Scout David Hahn built a nuclear reactor in the family shed in Michigan. Thankfully his reactor never came anywhere near reaching critical mass, but it did emit dangerous levels of radiation. Finally, on the subject of great buildings and sheds, consider the Black & Decker Workmate. The construction and completion of many modern, great buildings has been greatly aided as a result of its invention, and it was of course, invented in a shed!

Bird’s-Eye View of South Marston Allotments

Matthew Sansum has taken some wonderfully detailed aerial photographs of the South Marston Allotments. They shows how inventive our allotment holders have been in creating an amazing set of ‘dens’. Very few of the constructions were bought off the shelf and all kinds of materials have been recycled in their creation. Thank you to Matthew Sansum, and to Barry Thunder for forwarding the photographs. Further photographs will be available to view on the South Marston website. New Parish Clerk By Kevin Morgan

am very pleased to have accepted the role of Parish Clerk for South Marston and to have been given this opportunity to work with the Council and residents at I such a challenging and interesting time for the village. Having met the Councillors and having been given a detailed tour by Barry Thunder, I can already see that the Council takes a very active and enthusiastic interest in providing the best service it can. I’ve lived in since 2009 and have a varied career background including IT, intelligence analysis and most recently working at Wembley Stadium. I am sure the skills I’ve learnt over the years will be put to good use dealing with the diverse work that the Clerk undertakes on behalf of the Council. There is obviously a lot to learn and get to grips with, but Gary has been a great help in passing over knowledge and information and I’m sure the Councillors will also help ease the transition. I am also lucky to have my wife to call on for advice and knowledge, who just happens to be a Parish Clerk in Swindon! I look forward to meeting more residents over the coming months, familiarising myself with the village and community and continuing the good work of my predecessors.

Information Event Wednesday 22nd May in the Village Hall

Drop-in Event Come and see plans, including those for the 5pm to 7.15pm Village Centre, and meet Swindon Borough Council Officers. Annual Parish Meeting Chair’s report on activity over the past year, as 7.30pm well as Parish Council finances. This is your chance to ask the Council any questions you may have.

Parish Council News By Colin McEwen

Parish Clerk Changes…Again! Much to our disappointment Gary Vickery decided that clerking was not for him and has resigned the post. At the April meeting the council thanked him for having stayed for long enough to assist a smooth changeover and for having done an excellent job in preparing he year’s accounts for audit. New Clerk Kevin Morgan is in place and looking forward to getting to grips both with the clerking and the challenges that the expansion will bring. Expansion Major developers HHT and Bellway appear to be pressing ahead with their plans. Bellway have now cleared trees on the former hotel site in accordance with their approved landscaping plan. A more suitable boundary hedge is to be planted, in line with our Neighbourhood Plan. They have confirmed our suggestion of the name “Magdalene Close”. Our parish Church is named for St Mary Magdalene, the most prominent of Jesus’s women disciples. There is no progress on the Crown Timber site and the solving of the Steris noise problem has stalled for the moment. The legal requirements for the lease of the school expansion land and transfer of the field to expand the village centre are pressing ahead. The plans for the development of the expanded village centre have been adopted by the Borough and are in line with our recent consultations. We are holding a VILLAGE EXHIBITION from 17.00 to 19.15 on Wednesday 22nd May that will feature the approved Bellway Plan and Village Centre Plan. This will be followed by the Annual Parish Meeting at 19.30, to which all residents are invited. HGVs Several Heavy Goods Vehicle licence applications to use the Thornhill Industrial Site have been given approval recently. We have opposed these because of the problem with them getting round at Hoddinott’s Corner on Thornhill Road. Nightingale Lane Application The Borough have refused permission for 8 houses following objections from the PC, residents and Borough officers. This minimises the traffic on Nightingale lane and preserves the buffer zone with the proposed village as Rowborough and protects the rural setting of the village and the nearby listed buildings.

Colin McEwen South Marston Summer Fete has evolved over the past 50 years, from separate events run by the Church and school, to a village Fete where all village groups are invited to run stalls. The Friendly Club, School, Church, Tots ‘n’ Toddlers, Gardening Club, SMRA, Parish Council and Open Spac- es groups all take part, as well as stallholders from outside the village. Recently we have also held a car boot sale. We warmly welcome anyone who would like to help, either by joining the committee, making some bunting, cakes for refreshments, helping to put up the marquees and straw bales, etc. Please contact Angie Newton on 832034 or Jenny McEwen on 825312 if you would like to know more.

.South Marston Village Fete Companion Dog Show Judged by Stuart Gruszka (Samphrey)

Pedigree Classes: Open to All Dogs:

1. AV Puppy (6-12 months) 6. Best Veteran (7 years and over) 2. AV Sporting 7. Prettiest Bitch 3. AV Non-Sporting 8. Best Crossbreed 4. AV Open 9. Best Child Handler (up to 16 years) 5. AV Veteran (7 years and 10. Most Handsome Dog over) 11. Dog in Best Condition 12. Best Movement Best Pedigree in Show will now 13. Best Brace (2 dogs most alike) be judged 14. Most Appealing Eyes 15. Best 6 Legs

No bitches in season in any Enquiries: Vanna Leathart class.

Pedigree Classes only – Tel: 01793 832195

No CC winners, no Reserve CC Email: [email protected] winners or Junior Warrant winners.

To be held under Kennel Club Regulations

Saturday 29th June 2019, The Recreation Ground, South Marston, SN3 4SR

South Marston Friendly Club

If you live in South Marston and are over the age of 50, then you are welcome to join us at our meetings in the village hall. We offer a wide range of interesting and fun events for the residents in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. If you are interested or would like to know more then please contact Sheila on telephone 828545. Programme for 2019

14th May 2pm “Sing along Songs” with Keiran Pocock on the keyboard. 21st May 9.15am A Coach trip to “Hughenden Manor & Gardens” (National Trust). The Country Home of Benjamin Disraeli near High Wycombe. 11th June 2pm Our Annual General Meeting followed by a talk on “Personality Graphology” (Handwriting) By John Jameson. 18th June 9.15am A Coach Trip to “Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens” with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast, later to Weymouth town centre and beach.

9th July 2pm “Women on the Railways during the two World Wars” A talk by Rosa Matheson. Highworth & South Marston United Charities

ighworth and South Marston United Charities has been in existence in various forms for over 150 years. Still today, they are able to support people of Highworth and South Marston who may find themselves in H sudden financial difficulty. There are two funds available, The Relief of Need Fund and The Educational Fund. The Relief of Need Fund makes grants for items or services to assist residents who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress. The Educational Fund supports the education or training of residents who are under the age of 25 years, and who, or at least one of whose parents are resident in the area. The fund provides for special benefits not normally provided by the school or other institution. Both charities share the same board of trustees and welcome enquiries all year round. If you are in sudden distress or know of someone who is, the Highworth and South Marston United Charities are here to help. Application forms may be obtained from Highworth Town Council office or South Marston Parish Council office. The money available is limited and therefore any assistance given cannot be repeated later. South Marston Spring Clean Up

By Mandie Olive

ur Spring Community Clean Up took place on Sunday 24th March - thankfully a perfect, dry and sunny day. Many thanks to all those who joined in. Your help was very much appreciated - a great team effort. O Our families, led by Jodie Woolhouse, split into two teams and tackled the Rec, the bridleway beside the hotel, Oxleaze Wood, the bridleway to Sainsbury’s, St Julian’s Wood, The Orchard, and the footpaths in between. Nightingale Lane was led by Barbara Simpkins. Nigel Hole’s team picked along Highworth Road. Simon Olive tackled Old Vicarage Lane with his team and I had my helpers on Thornhill Road. Lots of bags were collected and I’m pleased to say no fly-tipping to report this time. Still far too many empty alcohol cans and bottles, as well as soft drink containers. Thank you to Lee Wells from Allbuilds who, out of goodwill, picks up all the rubbish from our two collection points, recycles what he can and takes the remainder to the tip. Thank you to Pauline Wilcocks and two members of her team, Mike and Mitch, from Conmed, Shrivenham for volunteering their help. Thanks also to SMRA for free use of the village hall, and to Robbie Taylor for her delicious sausage rolls and help with refreshments. Also, our thanks goes to the Harris Trust, who supplied gloves, and to South Marston Parish Council who paid for the green plastic rings as well as the bin bags we attach to them. Sue Cooper supplied twelve high visibility vests and twenty new pickers. We must have all these items in order to get the job done safely. The village looked fabulous after all our hard work. Our next clean up will be in the autumn, date to be announced. Please join us if you can. There is fun to be had in joining in as well as much pleasure in sharing the end result. Mandie, Nigel and Anne Neighbourhood Watch Scheme By Martin Hoffen

aving taken over from Jill Quadri as the South Marston Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Coordinator, I am pleased to report that the article in the March issue of the Community News resulted in two new Street H Coordinators covering the Orchard and Bell Gardens. We still need volunteers to become street coordinators for the areas that are not yet covered. The residents in these areas miss the extra safety and community spirit that NHW brings. Being a member can also result in cheaper house insurance. Being a coordinator is simple, and takes very little time. It involves getting your neighbours signed up to the scheme, and passing on any relevant messages and reports. Please volunteer to be an NHW Street Coordinator to myself, Martin Hoffen, at [email protected] or telephone 01793 823513. Your little effort will improve the safety and community cohesion of your neighbours. We are still looking for volunteer Street Coordinators for the following areas: Rawlings Close, Yew Tree Gardens, Quarrybrook Close, Greenfields, Highworth Road (No 19 onwards), Old Vicarage Lane, Chapel Lane, Church Farm Lane, Church Ground, Nightingale Lane, and Rowborough Lane.

Did you know we are now serving freshly baked pizzas on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening? We will be starting a collection service in the next couple of weeks which means you can call, order your pizza, garlic bread and chips and they will be ready for you to take when you arrive Please check the advertising boards at the pub for updates, see our Facebook page @thecarpentersarms1 or call us Tel: 01793 822997

Clare, Claire and the team look forward to seeing you soon South Marston Church News Seeking, sharing and serving God together Dear friends,

I hope you had a really happy Easter. All the chocolate has gone, we’re fed up with hot cross buns because they have been in the shops for so long. Our thoughts look to the summer and our plans for a holiday. For the church though, the Easter festival goes on for seven weeks! And yet we seem to just forget and move on with our daily lives without a thought to what our celebrations mean. These next weeks will be a time to reflect on the impact of what Jesus did on the cross and his resurrection. It can be so hard to understand can’t it? In this day and age we are conditioned by a more scientific approach to life that just says it’s not possible, it’s a fairy tale, a myth or for the most cynical a ‘con’. However, for two millennia millions of people across the world have found that it is true and witness to that knowledge. I meet many people who are searching for something they can’t quite put their finger on or they acknowledge that there is some ‘greater power’ but they don’t know what or who that is. They listen to the voices of the cynics but not the word of God. The sadness is that the Church—the people of God– have often lost sight of what Jesus taught and behaved really badly. It can make me feel so ashamed and sad but then I know I am not perfect. Are you? It is in recognising our imperfection that leads us to acknowledge our need for a Saviour. Then, we discover Jesus did all that is necessary for us to have a relationship with God and know his love sustaining us every moment of the day. It brings such deep joy, peace and love—things that cannot be put in a test tube but transform our lives. I don’t put my trust in the church. No, I put my trust in the Saviour and I know he lives because he lives within my heart. What do you put your trust in? Where is your security? If you want to discuss this more, please do get in touch; I’d love to hear from you. I continue to wish you all a very happy Easter full of blessing, Vicky Fleming, Priest in charge Join Us at Our Services At South Marston Church unless otherwise stated

Date Time Event Location

5th May 11.00am Family Service 12th May 9.30am Holy Communion 19th May 10:00am Team Service St Margaret’s Church 26th May 9:00am Holy Communion 2nd June 11:00am Family Service 9th June 9.30am Holy Communion 16th June 10:00am Team Service Stanton Church

23rd June 9:00am Holy Communion 30th June 10:00am Team Service St Margaret’s Church

11th May and 8th June 10:00am Meeting Point South Marston Village Hall 11th May and 8th June 4:00pm Saturday Scene St Margaret’s Centre

Your local family-run, trustworthy garage. NEW SERVICE: Car collection & delivery Book your car in for work or a service and we will now collect and deliver your car within a 5 mile radius home or work, saving you the bother and hassle! We also offer the use of a courtesy car should it be needed. To celebrate this new service, we are offering 10% off your first bill. Come and visit us at Nightingale Lane, South Marston, SN3 4SL or call on 821360 for more details. Eggs..citing Easter Event in St Julian’s Wood By Jodie Woolhouse and Anne Featherstone

he sun shone on our Easter event in St Julian’s on Easter Saturday, attended by 40+ children, ranging from 2 to 13 years old. The children all participated in the scavenger and rock hunt, a variety of crafts, and also T had to find the special golden carrots in exchange for an Easter egg. Adults were as excited as the children and there was a real sense of joy on discovering a rock or a golden carrot. The children told us that the scavenger hunt was much more fun than the ones at school - they had to think, but it wasn't too hard, and everyone got an egg. One participant said the afternoon helped her to get to know about the woodland and what was in it. She always has a good time in St Julian's. One boy said how good it was to do something different to what he normally does on Saturday afternoons. One girl wasn't going to come but she was really glad she did. It was great to have the golden carrots to find, and then return them to the woods for the animals. The best bit was that there were lots of eggs! At least 20 adults came along: mums, dads, grandparents, aunties, uncles and friends. The adults thought it was a great idea too: it got the children out and made them think and look. It was recognised by the adults that we are very fortunate to have the Harris Trust who supported this event. “They are so generous and help to make this village a great place to live”, they said. It was amazing to have so much positive feedback from this event and thank you all for coming. Many thanks to all who supported this event and a special thanks to Jodie, Stacy, Corey and Sophie, who did all the hard work.

Around the Village By Tony Leathart

visited the Water Garden at Hinton Parva over the Easter weekend. Since it is less than 5 I miles away, it is just within the scope of being around the village. The Water Garden has been in existence since 1962 covering an area of 2 acres. It is artistically laid out on the edge of the beautiful Downs and follows a theme of enjoyment of water in the garden. There are still ponds and running water with deep water plants such as Lilies and oxygenators, shallow water plants such as Irises and Bullrushes and a selection of waterside plants including Astilbes, Daylilies and Hostas. Some plants are offered for sale from shrubs and alpines and there is an extensive display of tropical and cold water fish, also for sale. There is a small car park and visitors can expect a warm welcome. Entrance is free. To get there drive through Wanborough, turn left at the top of the hill and follow the sign post. It is an enjoyable afternoon out particularly in good weather.

Any comments or ideas for future content please to: [email protected] or 01793 82774 or 07765 703228 (text). South Marston Recreation Association (SMRA)

he SMRA are making preparations for the South Marston Village Summer Fete that will be held on Saturday 29 June 2019, 2-5pm, on the Recreational Field between Old Vicarage Lane and Thornhill Road. T There will be a Dog Show, Children’s Fancy Dress, Craft Stalls, Fairground Rides, Cakes, Ice Creams, Refreshments, Beer Tent, Raffle, Entertainment, Tombola, Home-grown Plants and Produce, Face Painting, Music, Hot Food, Car Boot and lots, lots more……. Free entry on foot or £1 to park (entrance is on Old Vicarage Lane). Car Boot Sale £10 per car – set up and access on to the field will be at 1pm. Children’s Fancy Dress start early and get your thinking caps on and sewing machine out! Age categories are 0-4 years, 5-7 years & 8+ years. Prizes are £10 for 1st, £7.50 for 2nd and £5 for 3rd place for all entry categories. Tug ‘O War We’re looking for teams of 6 to take part. Winner to take home the prize and “winners” trophy. Cake Donations Please could we kindly ask for tray bakes, whole cakes and individual cakes to sell on the refreshments stall. Please bring your cake to the blue portacabin on the recreational field on the day. Volunteers Can you spare an hour of your time helping with the Fete? We are looking for volunteers for the following:

Thursday 27 June, evening Saturday 29 June, 2pm to 5pm

 Put up marquees; Put up the bunting;  Car parking attendants; Help on Collect items from the village hall (car the refreshments stall (much with trailer ideal); Collect hay bales needed proceeds from this go to from within the village (car with trailer SM CofE school) ideal)

Saturday 29 June, 5pm Saturday 29 June, from 9am  Take down marquees; Litter  Help lay out tables and chairs for stall picking; Take down banners Take holders; Help lay out and prepare the down bunting; Return items to the refreshments area; Mark out car school and village hall (car with parking; dog show and exit areas; Put trailer ideal); Collect up parking signage up around the field and on the (cones and stakes) equipment; road; Lay out two arenas with hay Return hay bales (car with trailer bales; Collect tables from the village ideal) hall at 1pm (car with trailer ideal) Useful Contacts South Marston Parish Council 686150 [email protected] Community Support, PCSO’s Kelly & Lishman 0845 4087000 Neighbourhood Watch: Martin Hoffen [email protected] 01793 823513 South Marston Church: Priest-in-charge,Vicky Fleming 827021. Church Warden Richard Sansum 831473. PCC: William Hiscocks, Diane Gambles, Mary Crichton and Dorinda Balchin. MeetingPoint:Richard 831473, Saturday Scene: Donald 825693. South Marston Church of Primary School: 823379 SMRA: Angela Newton 832034, Julie Hatherall 07749211867 Village Hall hire: Rachel Case on [email protected] 07741549393 Youth Club: Julie Hatherall 07749211867, [email protected] Tots and Toddlers: [email protected] 07716 277877 F&E Harris Memorial Trust: Robbie Taylor 823757 Gardening Club: Mike New on 827807 Friendly Club: Sheila Jinks on 828545 Swindon Dial a Ride: 521123 Swindon Streetsmart 445501 or [email protected]

he South Marston village fete features prominently in the May issue. There are so many people in the village working towards it, to make it the success that it is. If you’d like to take part in the preparations, please contact Angela T or Julie from the SMRA, or else just come along on the day. If you’d like your photos or an article to be included in the next issue, please send them in to [email protected]. Best wishes, Tanya Gray

About Community News

South Marston Community News is produced by the Communications Working Group of South Marston Parish Council. Although funded by the Parish Council, the Editorial Board of Community News operates independently and aims to produce an impartial, community focused magazine which is of interest to all residents. Community News is produced in partnership with our printers, Orchard Press (www.Orchard-Press.co.uk) and sponsored by Eneco, who manage South Marston’s solar farm (www.eneco.co.uk) Any enquiries can be addressed to [email protected]